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Details
Ivory or bone game box, country unknown, possibly India or China, circa 19th century.
5.75 x 8.5 x 5.25 in. (148 x 215 x 130 mm). Elaborately carved ivory or bone over a wooden structure with yellow and green painted accents, hinged lid, and key. The interior is lined in green paper and divided into two compartments that contain numerous ivory game sticks with a variety of shaped heads like a barrel, an arrow, a pitchfork, and a shovel.
It is likely that these game pieces were used for a game called Spellicans by the British, which is similar to jackstraws or pick-up sticks. After one player throws down the pieces, the object of the game is to pick up one piece at a time from the pile without disturbing another piece. Thought to have originated in China, Spellicans sets have game pieces similar to those found in this box. Each shape represents a different value.
5.75 x 8.5 x 5.25 in. (148 x 215 x 130 mm). Elaborately carved ivory or bone over a wooden structure with yellow and green painted accents, hinged lid, and key. The interior is lined in green paper and divided into two compartments that contain numerous ivory game sticks with a variety of shaped heads like a barrel, an arrow, a pitchfork, and a shovel.
It is likely that these game pieces were used for a game called Spellicans by the British, which is similar to jackstraws or pick-up sticks. After one player throws down the pieces, the object of the game is to pick up one piece at a time from the pile without disturbing another piece. Thought to have originated in China, Spellicans sets have game pieces similar to those found in this box. Each shape represents a different value.
Special notice
Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.